WOULD-BE taxi drivers will have to take a harder test before they can work, it has been agreed.

The licensing committee of Barrow Borough Council has approved plans to change the way Hackney carriage and private hire taxi drivers are given licences.

Changes to the current policy include introducing a local geography test, and enhanced awareness training for drivers.

The council moved to bring in these changes after concluding a public consultation with taxi licence holders, taxi associations and the county council.

According to the committee the key reason for implementing changes was the protection of the public.

The council is confident the changes will improve Barrow taxi services.

Councillor Helen Wall said: “Taxis are a vital service in Barrow, I very much welcome this policy.

“Not as a stick to beat taxi drivers with but so that they feel like they are part of a valued profession in the community.”

However, there is opposition to the plans, which will affect 350 Barrow cabbies.

Eric Garner, owner of City Lynx Taxis, was critical of adding more rules to the process of getting a license. He said: “What we are doing at the present moment is driving taxi drivers into other trades.
“Introducing a knowledge test doesn’t need to be legislated, it’s not useful. If a new driver has a Tom Tom I can send them anywhere.”

Prospective drivers are also set to undergo awareness training to cater for disabled people, and anyone protected by the Equality Act 2010.

The council has called for greater awareness amongst taxi drivers to help them when catering for people of all races, sexuality, gender or if they are elderly or disabled.

This has been welcomed as it will help taxi drivers deliver a better service.

Mr Garner said: “I definitely agree with the proposal. I’ve been in a situation like that before.”

Read about the first black cab in Barrow here: http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/barrow/Barrows-first-black-cab-for-20-years-hits-the-road-6be375c9-0030-419a-b3ca-c131244bb276-ds